Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1887-06-10
THE SUBSTITUTE.

1t was bright day in the early
part of October, 1868, that John
Matthews stopped his horses in the
middle of u long furrow he was draw,
ing. to watch, with curious eyes, the
action of United States officer, who
was slowly making his way toward
him over the freshly plowed ground.
After the customary salute, the straDg-
er said: IL am not mistaken in sup
posing that have the honor of ad-
dressing Mr.. John Matthews, of Fl an
over township"
That is the name to which l an
swer in the regions round about
here" was the reply of the puzzled
plowmaD.
"Then, this paper will explain my
business" returned the officer, taking
legal looking document from his
pocket, and putting it into the out
stretched hand of Matthews.
A swift glance at the contents of
the paper caused a change in the coun-
tenance of the farmer.
II thought that the quota of our
township had been filled?" he said, as
with trembling fingers he folded the
document and returned it to its envel-
ope.
"It seems not" answered the off,
Ger, briefly. "We have raised an i'm
mense amount of bounty for volun-
teers, at any rate," responded Mat
thews.
"And still little short. You will
report at headquarters tomorrow
evening at four O'clock" said the
stranger, turning his horse and gal
Looping away.
John Matthews was no coward,
and if he had been young man he
would have been in the ranks months
ago, but young family had hitherto
demanded his presence at home, and
now, a favorite daughter, his first
born, was slowly fading away with
consumption. 1t would be .hard sfor
him to take O last look at her young
face-for she would be under the sod
before he returned, if that time should
ever come.
Unhitching his horses from the
plow, he led them to the stable, un-
harnessed and fed them, hoping by
the delay to gain his wonted com.
posure before breaking the unexpect-
ed news to the dear ones, as yet un-
conscious of the cloud that overshad-
owed them.
Going round to the back door,
where his wife was at work, he made
known the object of the strangers
visits and begged her, for Maggie's
sake, to bear up bravely under the
heavy tidings.
"You must not think of going,
John. Maggie could not live through
the parting" ".began his wife, quiet
but decided voice.
you talk just like woman, Ma
ry This is an imperative call, and
must be obeyed. You know that my
going at this time is not from
choice"
II understand all about that, John.
l had not thought of lifting my puny
arm against the powers that be--but
you cannot CO."
"What do you mean wife 2" asked
honest John, wondering if the i'll news
had not made the good woman q lit
tie daft
"There are plenty of men ready to
60 for money. John, and there is that
five hundred dollars in the bank, twas
Mary's cheerful reply.
"But that has been laid aside to re-
model the old homestead" sighed
John, thinking of all the improve
ments the money could make.
"Better live in the old house few
years longer, than part with its head
forever" insisted Mrs. Matthews, and
she carried her point, for before the
morrow's sun went down staunch,
able bodied man had agreed, for the
sum of five hundred dollars, to face
death in Johns place.
The months passed away-Maggie
went to join the white-robed throng
in Heaven, and before the June roses
were again in bloom, the angel of
Peace had spread her wings over a
torn and bleeding country. The
years as they came and went, left
their blessings on the home of the
Matthews. A new house took the
place of the old one, and the former
landmarks were wi6ened for the rich
harvests, and the large increase from